Citizens are governed by four levels of government in Ontario:
Niagara has 12 area municipalities; five cities, five towns and two townships, whose local councils represent the local level of government.
The number of elected representatives on a town or city council varies, depending on the size of the community. Each community elects a number of councillors and one Mayor, who acts as the head of the council. Municipal elections are held every four years.
30 Elected representatives from the 12 area municipalities, plus the Regional Chair form the Niagara Region Council, which oversee the Regional Government’s operations.
Niagara Region’s operations are managed by departments that are responsible for programs and services that are delegated to them by the Province of Ontario.
| 
